The Bad Ending of an Otome

Raretis and the Marquis were imprisoned in a special facility. 

Elodie, who had no idea what had transpired, was panicking and implored Edmund and Cassio to preserve the Marquis’s mansion. 

She was convinced that they were not guilty.

What did Cassio say with a smile at the time? 

Something along the lines of ‘I understand’? 

His smile was so refined.

His expression suggested he could save someone even if they had fallen into hell. 

Elodie was in despair, and Edmund Gloucester had her in his hands. 

The apparent reason was that ‘despite having been misled by the evil Marquis’s people, he could purify Elodie with his scholarly achievements.’

But in actuality, it was simply confinement. 

Edmund’s treatment of the weeping and imploring Elodie as ‘Ophelia’ was a memorable incident. 

Even as I was playing the game, I wanted to yell, ‘The Ophelia who can’t live without you is already dead and rotten to the bone, you maniac!’ 

Some components of the original tale that had not changed owing to my presence did change, but there was no guarantee that the ending would change totally. 

To put it another way, Edmund Gloucester is a dangerous individual whose future actions are uncertain.

“…”

With a melancholy feeling, I emptied my teacup. 

Was this the reason? 

Had Cassio been warning me over and again that ‘it’s dangerous,’ that ‘there are monsters in the royal castle,’ that ‘you may still go back’? 

Regardless of the circumstances, even the proud Windrose Marquis’s house was sometimes destroyed. 

Cassio Brahamdorff certainly played a more active role than Edmund Gloucester, who ran berserk like a mad horse at the mention of Ophelia. 

There was a knock on the parlor door while I was thinking deeply.

“Come in.”

Cassio Brahamdorff appeared to have just returned after a night out. 

He was dressed impeccably as usual. 

He smiled as soon as our gazes met, his pure grey eyes crescent-shaped. 

It was a devious grin.

“Dear Lady Emilia. Did you entertain a visitor while I was away?”

“Yes.”

“On the way in, I saw the Gloucester family’s carriage, so I wondered.”

“I sent his servant away, telling him to come himself.”

Cassio laughed deflatedly. 

He seems amused.

“Ah, Lady Emilia, you are far too cool. I could fall for you.”

“I always think this, but you have bad taste.”

“That’s my sincere feeling.”

“Let’s set aside sincerity that can’t be sold.”

The servant discreetly cleared the table and exited the room. 

Kitty followed, bringing new treats. 

Cassio and I were the only ones left in the drawing room.

“…Do you know anything about Sir Edmund Gloucester’s specialties?”

Cassio blinked, then opened his mouth in response to my question.

“Magic and theology. He has a thorough understanding of both subjects. Magic is… well, it’s a discipline that’s surrounded by a lot of chatter and a lot of difficulties. Except a few spells, magic has become a hobby for scholars rather than a practical skill. Because our kingdom isn’t highly religious, many people approach religion from an academic standpoint, such as examining old writings. Sir Edmund is among them. I’ve heard he’s amassed quite a collection of relics as well.”

Edmund Gloucester had a strong image as a well-known scholar. 

At home, he gathered ancient documents and invited scholars with similar research interests.

“He is recognized as an expert in his field. He has a close relationship with the church and has even volunteered in areas still recovering from catastrophic disasters. Whenever there’s mention of a group of non-believers or something that began appearing and is supposed to be connected to the church, he’s the first to criticize them as a zealous believer.”

Nobles who donate and lead philanthropic efforts are not uncommon. 

They do specific actions for display. 

Being very thrifty creates the perception of being stingy. 

However, it is uncommon for young people to volunteer through their faith. 

Perhaps this is why he has the reputation of being an ‘uncommonly earnest young guy.’

“Is there a particular reason you’re asking?”

“I was wondering if he knows anything about Ophelia.”

Cassio’s demeanor was delicate as he listened to what I had to say.

“Do you really think so?”

“I know. Even if I were Ophelia, I doubt I would have left anything with him…”

The phrases Ophelia left in my nightmares bothered me.

‘It’s fine. Since birth, I’ve understood that God was not on my side.’

If God wasn’t on her side, then whose was He? 

Her statements seemed to be lamenting her fate of dying early and not living long. 

But she told me I wouldn’t die. 

In the game, Emilia clung to the Marquis’s family following Ophelia’s death and didn’t do well, but the current me was different. 

I fled the Marquis’s power and fortune, only to be stopped by Ophelia’s words and forced to make my debut.

Would Ophelia have forced me to make my debut if it was dangerous? 

Or did she not expect me to leave the Marquis’s family? 

I’m not sure if the remaining letter provides the information, but Cassio Brahamdorff would most likely know.

“….Even insignificant things can be useful as remedies. Even such a person… because he was always interested in Ophelia-related activities…”

I can’t even imagine how my life could be jeopardized. 

If I provoked Edmund Gloucester, would he indeed turn against me and try to kill me? 

But I was hesitant to tell Cassio Brahamdorff about my dream because of the tragic endings concerning Edmund Gloucester.

“Do you want Sir Edmund Gloucester to check if there was any anomaly with Ophelia?”

“Would it be too much?”

“After you just cheerfully kicked out his servant?”

“I didn’t slap him in the face, did I?”

“…I really like it when Emilia is so spirited.”

“It was only a thought. I’d be lucky if he didn’t chastise me for implying ‘that Ophelia’ had a problem, asking what I was talking about when I was standing right near her…”

I frowned. 

After all, there’s someone else to consider. 

The individual greatly increased the number of downbeat endings in the game. 

Even now, he’s obsessed with Elodie… Yes.

“Rather impressively, Gloucester has thought to send a letter of apology.”

“Waiting for an invitation from the palace? Maybe he learned about it beforehand and opted to deal with it?”

“Well, Edmund Gloucester is a talent that even the royal family recognizes. It’s not surprising that he knows such knowledge ahead of time.”

The nuance was somewhat subtle. 

What about having a ‘talent recognized by the royal family’? 

His personality may be distinct, but wasn’t his expertise in his profession recognized by all? 

Was the royal family interested in Edmund Gloucester in any other way?

That’s none of my business. 

Should I be concerned? 

After all, I’ve had issues with Edmund Gloucester. 

But if it were something to be concerned about that way, Cassio would have warned me first.

“Except for the character of Sir Edmund Gloucester, Emilia’s thoughts aren’t bad.”

…Should I ask if Ophelia’s case is related to theology instead of sending an apologetic gift, given that it’s a no-lose situation? 

Will I get smacked with a fist this time instead of a palm? 

At the very least, I’m relieved that I’ve prepared potions.

“Yes, you put it quite elegantly when you say ‘wake up from your dream’.”

“It means your concept is sound. Sir Edmund Gloucester is one of the few realists capable of bringing magic to life.”

“Really?”

Cassio sighed and shrugged.

“So… I don’t know much, but I’ve heard that there are two kinds of magic: material and immaterial. Material ones are a few types of magic that have rarely been popularized. In the palace, it was regularly used to make potions, create water or fire, or strengthen steel. I’ve heard that Sir Raretis’ sword from His Majesty the King is one of those unique swords.”

“Yes…”

“However, I’ve heard that all magic is too difficult to use daily. You must be meticulous enough to evaluate the weather and wind flow of the day, as well as know all sorts of computations. Furthermore, in computations, ‘immaterial’ magic is practically imaginary. It is said to be solely for research or experimentation. It is several times more difficult than in the tangible domain. Some even claim it’s impossible. Things like reversing time, folding space, raising the dead, and other ridiculous things.”

A terrifying notion entered my head at that very time. 

The finale, where Edmund Gloucester, calling Elodie by the name of the dead Ophelia, was convinced that Ophelia had resurrected… 

Could that be the ending? 

That couldn’t be. 

Magic does exist in this world, but it is uncommon and ludicrous….

“Because it’s a difficult field to master even with time and money, Sir Edmund Gloucester’s level is astounding. Magic’s principle is “don’t think of using it in real life.” However, it is said that Sir Edmund Gloucester may be able to use a few types of material magic in ordinary life.”

Why, in the first place, did Edmund Gloucester major in magic and theology? 

Even when he was with Ophelia, he never neglected his responsibilities. 

He, on the other hand, worked even harder. 

Why? 

No, I believe I understand why. 

He must have been looking for a means to resurrect Ophelia.

“Theology?”

“I don’t have anything to say about theology. It was formerly said that gods would present themselves, but that is no longer true. Even more ridiculous legends than magic can be found in the scriptures. Theology is physically closer to science. Human destiny, for example, is fully in the control of the gods. Are you interested?”

“No, no. Just intriguing… given Sir Edmund’s ties to the clergy…”

“Shortly after giving birth to Sir Edmund, Countess Gloucester entered a convent. I heard she used to go there frequently as a child.”

…Is this the first time I’ve heard this?

“Well, it’s not a pleasant story, so no one talks about it. It’s not something you’d bring up in front of Ophelia.”

“Scandal…”

“Countess Gloucester was said to be a stunning woman. She was embroiled in several scandals. She was forced to marry Count Gloucester, however, when she became pregnant with Sir Edmund. There was a commotion when she entered a convent after giving birth, never to return. This is something my aunt told me.”

“…”

I was rendered dumbfounded by their family history. 

I felt horrible understanding why Edmund’s character turned out the way he did unintentionally.

“Could it be that Countess Gloucester…”

“She bore no resemblance to Ophelia or Elodie. But perhaps her personality was similar to Lady Ophelia’s. Proud and arrogant. With her lofty pride, she might not have wanted to live as Countess Gloucester.”

She didn’t want to be Countess Gloucester? 

Does this imply that she regretted being someone’s wife at such a young age?

“That’s a heartbreaking story. Did Count Gloucester marry again?”

“He’s still single.”